Goblet 1784 - 1785

Curator: Take a look at this object, a Rococo style silver goblet crafted between 1784 and 1785 by Hester Bateman. It currently resides here at The Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: Immediately, the gold interior shimmering against the silver gives me this sense of... almost secretive opulence. It is not gaudy, but there's a hidden flash of extravagance, isn’t it? Curator: Indeed. The goblet’s design, though restrained, exhibits refined elegance typical of late 18th-century Rococo, evident in its delicate engraving and curvilinear form. Notice the coat of arms engraved; a signifier of the owner’s status and heritage. Editor: Absolutely. It's whispering stories of fancy dinner parties, clinking toasts. The shape almost implies containment... perhaps a longing to keep those beautiful sentiments preserved, as opposed to ephemeral and fading away, right? It's like bottled poetry, if you will. Curator: An astute observation. Structurally, observe the interplay between the cylindrical cup, the baluster stem, and the circular foot. It speaks of harmony, of carefully considered proportions that adheres to classic ideals. Editor: It’s interesting how functional objects morph when you dress them up like this, with that kind of consideration for symmetry and sophistication. What’s so special about Hester Bateman, specifically? Curator: Bateman was a highly regarded silversmith, notable for her sophisticated designs and the exceptional quality of her workmanship. The success of her workshop marks an important chapter for women in industry. Editor: So it's like a celebration of artistry in function, with maybe a hint of rebellion – smashing through expectations in what was then quite a male dominated craft world. A legacy worth celebrating. Curator: Precisely. It embodies an era defined by refinement, where beauty was interlaced into daily life. Editor: This little thing just prompted me to conjure the grand, untold narratives, of the figures who savored life through its vessel. Delicious.